http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/state/hc-29105509.apds.m0023.bc-ct-fea--mar29,0,5296787.story?coll=hc-headlines-local-wire
Associated Press
March 29, 2007
NEW LONDON, Conn. -- Joshua Bergeson was just 11 when he stood up before hundreds of people more than a decade ago and eulogized his father, New London police Lt. Axel Bergeson, who had died unexpectedly of a heart attack.
The young Bergeson told the sea of onlookers that his dad, a 24-year veteran of the force, was his hero and "the reason I get up in the morning."
Twelve years have passed, and Bergeson's father remains a vital influence in his life. Bergeson decided to follow in his father's footsteps and was recently sworn in along with three other men as an officer in the New London Police Department.
"I have to step up and do the best I can to try to fill his shoes," said Bergeson. "Everyone recognizes the name. What I miss most about him is having a father figure."
Bergeson said becoming an officer was something he always wanted to do. His older brother, Todd, is also a member of the New London police force.
"My brother really helped me out," Bergeson said. "He helped me throughout this whole process, but the goal all along was to be in New London."
Capt. William Dittman worked with Axel Bergeson, whom he described as dynamic and caring, and always willing to back up his fellow officers.
"It was devastating when we lost him," Dittman said.
Dittman said he knows Axel Bergeson would be pleased that both of his sons are working for the department.
"I'm sure he's looking down on them with pride," Dittman said. "He's just beaming with pride. If they're half the men that Axel was, then we're lucky and fortunate to have them."
Bergeson believes a career in law enforcement will allow him to contribute to society.
"I love the job, helping people, keeping people safe," he said. "I hold this job in a high place. I have a lot of respect for the people who do it."
He already has some experience in law enforcement: In 2002 he joined the Marine Corps Reserves and was assigned to the 6th Motor Transport Battalion out of Providence. A year later, at 19, he was sent to Iraq, right at the onset of the war. As a member of the transport unit, he traveled all over Iraq, providing supplies, ammunition and security to the troops.
"I just graduated from boot camp," said Bergeson. "It was the start of the war so it really wasn't as bad. I had buddies that went back and say it is much different and more dangerous."
Five months into his stint in Iraq, Bergeson discovered a cancerous tumor on his hip. He was sent back to the States, where the tumor was removed. He underwent seven weeks of radiation. He has been cancer-free for three years and goes every six months for a CAT scan and blood work.
The same familial support that got him through the death of his father got him through his cancer scare, he said.
"I have a very supportive family and a good group of friends that keep me in line," said Bergeson. "They're just amazing."
Bergeson's mother, Joyce, said her son has had to overcome many challenges in life but fortunately inherited his father's perseverance.
"He was very young when his father died," she said. "He was always talking about him. I think that's a reason he's always been interested in police work."
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Information from: The Day, http://www.theday.com